Art From the Streets

AFTS is thrilled to be part of the Third Thursday gallery tours hosted by !

Join us at our studio TONIGHT from 6 to 9 PM for your last opportunity to experience our Volunteer Curated Show!

📍 916 Springdale Rd Bld 2 #105, Austin, TX

Come view this special exhibit and get a taste of this fantastic community we work so hard to build!

How did the idea for come about?

More than 30 years ago, "[my friend and I] were sitting around and we heard something on the radio about art and communities who were homeless. And it just sparked," says our Co-Founder, Heloise Gold.

"That spark of wanting to help was very strong."

"Art was our passion but we wanted to get to know the community first. So we offered to give out sandwiches at the shelter once a week just to get to know people."

After a while, they thought, "Why don't we just start to make some art and invite people to come and draw and paint with us?"

"So we brought some little art supplies and we would invite people who were sitting around, not having anything to do, to come and create with us."

And so Art From the Streets was born!

•••

Listen to the entire story of how Heloise was moved to co-found Art From the Streets to help people reclaim their dignity, build connections, and express themselves through art.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oVELxYo20bse0VkIeb460

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heloise-gold-co-founder-of-art-from-the-streets/id1656852916?i=1000627718617

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District Students: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

Our artists had an awesome time during their recent mosaic workshop with Dianne Sonnenberg Mosaics, a renowned international mosaic artist!

During the workshop, our artists delved into a world of creative possibilities. They gained valuable insights into:

• Material selection
• Selecting the right surfaces
• Crafting mosaic designs
• Mastering cutting and shaping techniques
• Proficient tool utilization
• Selecting adhesives
• Achieving flawless grouting and finishing

Just take a look at the results below! 😍

Our workshops serve as invaluable opportunities for our artists to expand their artistic horizons, explore diverse artistic mediums, forge connections with Austin's professional artists, and elevate their skill sets.

As we wrap up our final workshop of the year, we're beaming with joy and immense gratitude for the opportunity to provide this program to our artists, made possible by having our very own studio space.

How has Art From the Streets changed over the 13 years you've been involved?

"The way that AFTS has changed is through the community that's developed between the artists," says our Studio Coordinator, Pat Chapman.

"The artists care about each other and wonder where so-and-so has been and whether they are okay."

"They're a family and I feel like we as volunteers are a part of that family."

As Studio Coordinator, "I'm in intimate contact with all of them, I have all their phone numbers and we communicate if there's a concern or if we haven't seen someone in a long time."

"That's one thing that I think has maybe grown, not changed but it's certainly grown."

Listen to our podcast episode to hear more about Pat's history with AFTS, her background as a professional artist, and how she uses her experiences and skills to mentor our artists.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77lhDXhaW5g9YbwiZkKVOd

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pat-chapman-volunteer/id1656852916?i=1000626937316

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

"God's good and these angels here [at Art From the Streets] are even better," says AFTS Artist, Rhonda Beckham.

"I would not be on this earth right now without them."

"I found peace, I found love, I found care. Genuine care, genuine love, friends, and help beyond any imagination [at AFTS]."

"Art is my life. It's the part of my life that makes me feel happiness. I don't do very good without being here with them."

Learn more about how Rhonda discovered painting as a child, how illness has impacted her life, and how the people at Art From the Streets support her art and sustain her life.

Listen on...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V2LIkeJjO3NIXpOZconIt
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artist-rhonda-beckham/id1656852916?i=1000626201487

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

We can’t wait to see you TODAY for our FIRST Volunteer Curated Show!

Join us at our studio from 1-4PM during Open Canopy to view our volunteers' favorite pieces.

We LOVE our volunteers and are excited to announce our FIRST Volunteer Curated Show!

Join us THIS Saturday at our studio from 1-4PM during Open Canopy to view our volunteers' favorite pieces.

Volunteering with Art From the Streets allows you to connect directly with the underserved community in Austin through the creation of art.

Each volunteer supports our program through studio facilitation, gallery installations, workshop instruction, and community building.

They are making a real difference in the lives of the artists and the mission we serve.

How is your life different since you joined Art From the Streets?

"It's been a lot different," says AFTS artist John 'Orion' Bossert.

"Most days I sort of felt like I didn't matter. Like I wasn't being noticed. And that I was kinda being swept under the rug."

"I knew that I was better than that. I knew that people just didn't know me."

"And being here at AFTS helps me to see that. To see that people do recognize me and I am valid. And that I don't have to feel like I'm swept under the rug because I'm not."

"Now that I am part of AFTS, I do have that validation and it's a wonderful thing."

"Everything is much more beautiful and vivid since coming to AFTS."

In our latest podcast episode, John shares more about how his creative work is influenced not only by high art, but also his faith.

Listen to John's entire story on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Xd2xEcNk2SqVrq7TVAoT3
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artist-john-orion-bossert/id1656852916?i=1000625373044

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

And so the prep begins...

We're gearing up for our 31st Annual Show & Sale, aka the best two days out of the year!

Join us as we toast 31 fantastic years on October 21st & 22nd. Don't even think about making other plans!

A standing ovation is due to our incredible team and volunteers.

Pulling off our largest event of the year would be impossible without them.

What are some of the root causes of homelessness?

Molly Batschelet, one of our newest board members, shared: "Well I think it's really complicated and there's a lot of intersecting sort of causes out there but I believe there's:"

• "Lack of mental health treatment in individuals that are living with serious mental illness"

• "Lack of affordable housing"

• "A lot of discrimination and structural racism that's contributed to a lot of racial and ethnic disparities in homelessness"

• "Job loss"

• "A housing market that's extremely high cost"

• "General lack of resources"

Listen to our newest podcast episode to hear more about Molly's work with unhoused populations, including veterans, the importance of the term ‘housing first’, and what motivated her to become involved with AFTS.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YLhv3kRBDkzxQ1XugcMwx
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/molly-batschelet-board-of-directors/id1656852916?i=1000624632958

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District Students: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

Four times a week, our program offers Open Studio for our artists at our space in Canopy, where unhoused or at-risk people can come to paint and draw.

We believe that anyone can make art and that making art is good for everyone.

Photo By: John Dougherty

What impact has Art From the Streets had on your life?

"It saved my life."

"There's nothing worse than being homeless."

"It's the worse feeling but if you have something with you that you're able to care about and you're able to pursue, it really can save your life."

AFTS artist Deborah Nugent shared in our newest podcast episode that selling her artwork at AFTS events provides her the opportunity to engage with individuals and communicate the concepts and inspirations around her art pieces.

People she may never have met if not for selling her artwork.

Listen to Deborah's entire story on:
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/207lrSIhD3sX1AMYzWPu2K
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deborah-nugent-artist/id1656852916?i=1000623908078

•••

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District Students: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

Introducing our latest venture – the AFTS Collectors Program! We're thrilled to launch this initiative that aids our artists and enriches workplaces with exquisite art collections.

We offer framed prints and original artwork, from a diverse range of options for collectors to choose from, catering to various tastes and preferences.

It's a win-win situation where the collectors get to enjoy stunning art while also contributing to the growth and sustenance of the art community and AFTS.

Additionally, with the AFTS Collectors Program, businesses and individuals can demonstrate their commitment to supporting the arts and local artists.

Let us help you bring beautiful artwork to your space that is making a direct impact in your community!

For more information reach out directly to [email protected]!

We can't wait to see you TODAY for our Cameraless Photography exhibit with Eli Durst!

Come visit our studio from 1-4PM in Canopy for your last chance to experience and purchase artwork from this fantastic collection!

While contributing knowledge and funds to Art From the Streets remains a crucial aspect of our program, it's equally important to recognize that the people we "serve really want to connect with you on a human level."

Drawing from her extensive experience in working with the unhoused community at Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Marla Johnson, our Development Director, offers insights into making connections with our artists.

"Finding a common thread with people who are so absolutely different in so many ways and [who have] lived such different life experiences."

"Holding space with them, telling your story, and giving each other the gifts of time, of talent, and whatever treasure you have to offer on a human level."

"That is such an incredible way to connect."

Listen to our newest podcast episode to learn more about how Marla's drive to serve led her to work for nonprofits, connect with the unhoused and build lasting friendships within this community.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YUsNMeJeUccR3cnFHjC7S
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marla-johnson-development-director/id1656852916?i=1000623158215

Nothing ever lasts forever...

So, if you’ve been meaning to catch our Cameraless Photo exhibit with Eli Durst, this weekend is your last opportunity!

Swing by our studio at Canopy this Saturday between 1 PM and 4 PM.

, a talented photographer and UT professor teamed up with AFTS to share his skills and inspire our artists in the captivating world of .

The result? One-of-a-kind photograms that’ll be up for grabs starting tomorrow. Don’t miss out!

•••

What are photograms you may ask?

A photograph made using photographic materials, such as light-sensitive paper, but without using a camera.

"I try to make my art a symbol of happiness."

Cathy Haynes aims to infuse her artwork with blessings and joy, recognizing that happiness is not something everyone always has, including herself.

Through her creations, she aspires to spread happiness, radiating "good vibrations" throughout the world.

Listen to more of Cathy's story about being a multi-talented creative who has been creating artwork since she was a child in our newest podcast episode.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BcJ1K3w2PBrru079rCB8R
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artist-cathy-haynes/id1656852916?i=1000622385363

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District Students: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

Should businesses be involved in addressing the homelessness crisis? If so, how?

"Yes, I do believe there are two angles to it," says our newest board member, Carlos Martin.

1. Innovation.

Carlos shared that businesses serve as ideal platforms for fostering innovation, introducing novel and cost-effective approaches, that can help address homelessness.

By continually innovating, businesses can help make essential items more affordable and accessible.

2. Being involved in the community.

It's wonderful that you have a business, but it's equally crucial to recognize and ensure that your presence in the community leads to a tangible positive impact.

It's not merely about occasional token efforts, like a one-day event.

It's about genuinely engaging and actively contributing to the betterment of the community to create a lasting and meaningful positive influence.

We're thrilled to hear Carlos Martin's insight into how businesses can be involved in helping with the homelessness crisis as well as grateful to have him as a part of the team.

•••

Listen to our newest podcast episode to learn more about how Carlos sees a role for business in alleviating social issues and believes his own creative work, as a novelist, showed him how artistic endeavors can also be therapy.

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gUmFxpW8
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gm8RQKnT

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College Students: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

‎Art From The Streets: Carlos Martin - Board of Directors on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Art From The Streets, Ep Carlos Martin - Board of Directors - Jul 19, 2023

In an epic team effort, professional Austin muralists and AFTS artists worked tirelessly for three months to bring their creative visions to life.

Creating a mural dedicated to a specific floor of the new Integral Care St. John's Clinics, all made possible with the invaluable support from STG Design.

The outcome of their hard work resulted in five unique 4x6 foot art pieces you see below.

From here AgavePrint skillfully digitized each finalized art piece and Marco Fine Arts printed them into remarkable 6x20 foot wallpaper products, adorning each floor of the St. John's clinic with awe-inspiring beauty.

It's safe to say this dream team knocked it out of the park!

•••

Title: "Growing Community"
1st Floor
Muralist: J Muzacz
AFTS Artists: Damian Todd & Cathy Haynes

Title: "Life's Journey"
2nd Floor
Muralist: Luis Angulo
AFTS Artists: Layle Murray & John Bossart

Title: "Joy Blooms"
3rd Floor
Muralist: Candy Yu Yen Kuo
AFTS Artists: Tom Jett & Synethia Kelly

Title: "Home Grown"
4th Floor
East Austin Community
Muralist: Wade Thompson
AFTS Artists: Jefferson Bright & Megan Reneè Maurice

Title: "Answer The Call"
5th Floor
Muralist: Fabian Rey Donate
AFTS Artists: Jesùs Polanco & Julian Clay

AFTS is excited to be a part of Third Thursday gallery tours this week!

You'll have another chance to view our Cameraless Photography with Eli Durst in our studio.

Eli Durst joined us to share his skills and inspire our artists in the captivating world of . The workshop ignited a burst of creativity, creating unique pieces that will be displayed and up for grabs this week!

We can't wait for you to view this fantastic exhibit!

Photos By: John Dougherty

Julian Clay's path has been marked by a struggle against depression, yet he has discovered peace through art.

Painting became his escape, helping him express himself in ways words couldn't.

In our newest podcast episode, we'll also dive into Julian's unique artistic style.

His work is all about abstract and geometric vibes, making you question what shapes and colors can truly mean.

Check out this episode featuring Julian's incredible story!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jJD2nO8u7H5cV9SVFShdf
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artist-julian-clay/id1656852916?i=1000620884829

We teamed up with STG Design, Integral Care, and Austin muralists to bring art to each floor of the refurbished St. John's Clinic!

With each floor designated for a different department, ranging from family healthcare to offices, and Integral Care wanted the murals to match a specific theme according to each floor.

To bring this project to life, we sought the expertise of five professional muralists, who collaborated with our talented AFTS artists. Together, they worked tirelessly for three months, transforming their ideas into finalized pieces.

Stay tuned to see the finalized works!

Floor Themes:
1. Community
2. Healing
3. Growth / Play
4. East Austin Community
5. Support

Participating Muralists:
J Muzacz
Luis Angulo
Candy Yu Yen Kuo
Wade Thompson
Fabian Rey

Participating AFTS Artists:
Damian Todd
Cathy Haynes
Layle Murray
John Bossart
Tom Jett
Synethia Kelly
Jefferson Bright
Megan Reneè Maurice
Jesùs Polanco
Julian Clay

Photos By: John Dougherty

In our program, we have a deep understanding of the therapeutic power of art.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that we can now provide art therapy services to our talented artists.

With the help of the Texas Commission on the Arts grant and our annual fundraiser donors, we're overjoyed to kick off this new program!

Please welcome Christina Calderon, a licensed who will be working with our artists once a week throughout the months of July and August.

“My approach to psychotherapy is holistic, intuitive, and integrative. I specialize in art therapy and other expressive therapies that encourage self-exploration through artistic
processes such as drawing, painting, writing, and body movement.”

Art therapy is a powerful form of therapy that can help individuals explore their emotions, improve self-awareness, and promote healing and personal growth. We're thrilled to offer this program to our artists!

Check out our new sunny products that will help brighten your summer and beat the heat!

Shop now and make a splash: https://artfromthestreets.org/collections/summer-collection

Ever wonder what emotions are experienced by our artists when their art is sold?

Layle shares her emotions and thoughts following the sale of her artwork in our latest podcast episode. Some of the sentiments she shares include:

"When you buy my art you make me feel as though what I do is just as important as what you do."

The impact you make when purchasing our artists' work goes beyond giving them encouragement, you make them feel valued as individuals.

Tune into our latest podcast episode to learn more about Layle, her insight into housing issues, and how creating and selling her work through Art From the Streets impacts her self-esteem.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56AAx2dT1G3N6b8LhiA2C1
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artist-layle-murray/id1656852916?i=1000619357945

Hosted and Produced by Austin Community College District Students: Anne Boyd & Priscilla Mancha

We hope you're not busy tomorrow because you're invited to the opening of...

Cameraless Photography Gallery Show
Curated by Photographer Eli Durst

AFTS Studio Gallery: 916 Springdale Rd, Bld 2 #105, Austin, TX
July 1st & August 5th 1-4PM

Talented photographer and UT professor Eli Durst joined us to share his skills and inspire our artists in the captivating world of . The workshop ignited a burst of creativity, creating unique pieces that will be displayed and up for grabs tomorrow!

Do you prefer understanding the exact meaning of an art piece or being puzzled and questioning its intent?

In Season 2 of the AFTS Podcast, Eli Durst explained, "I would much rather [a viewer] be confused when [they] look at my work."

"I want [them] to think about the figurative space between the photos. [Questioning], 'How does this relate to this?'"

We're thrilled to have Eli Durst on our first episode of Season 2 discussing his art, why he encourages viewers to interpret his photographs for themselves, and his recent workshop at the Art From the Streetsts' studio.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6m7qOjJxrXJbMFpUm6nGsx
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eli-durst-award-winning-photographer-collaborating/id1656852916?i=1000618604304

A big thank you to Austin Community College District for supporting the continuation of this podcast by allowing students in the Radio-Television-Film department to host and produce our podcast. Another big thank you goes to our current host and producers, Anne Boyd and Priscilla Mancha!

Renowned photographer and UT professor Eli Durst led an incredible workshop for our talented AFTS artists, delving into the captivating world of cameraless photography through photograms.

: A photograph made using photographic materials, such as light-sensitive paper, but without using a camera.

Our artists had a fantastic time learning a new form of art and creating exceptional pieces. Excitingly, these pieces will be showcased and available for purchase at our upcoming Gallery Show: Cameraless Photography, curated by !

Don't miss out on experiencing this workshop's beautiful results and exploring our artists' visionary talent! More info: https://fb.me/e/4zu3dUVj5

Grateful and honored to be chosen by Texas Women In Business Austin as their 2nd Quarter grant recipient.

With this generous grant, we are thrilled to support our Women's Wednesday Open Studio, creating a space for empowerment and creativity.

Huge thanks to for their dedication to inspiring women, increasing awareness of philanthropy, and giving back to local nonprofits.

Together, we're making a difference!

We love seeing the impact creating art alone has on our artists.

Creating art pushes people out of their comfort zones and encourages experimentation.

It nurtures resilience, self-confidence, and self-discovery, allowing people to explore their potential and embrace personal growth.

Photos By: John Dougherty

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of an amazing AFTS Artist, Clifton Hayes.

Some of you didn't know him, some of you knew him very well. He has been with AFTS for many years and will be remembered fondly.

We will miss our conversations about his son and how proud of him he always was, our long talks about creating his beautiful artwork, and his snickering smile. His presence brought light and inspiration to our community, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be easily filled.

May all who have known Clifton find solace in the knowledge that his legacy will endure through his art and the impact he made on our lives. Clifton, you will always be remembered fondly as an exceptional artist and cherished member of the AFTS family.

Clifton's prints will be available on our website for a limited time and all the sales will go directly to his family: https://artfromthestreets.org/collections/clifton-hayes

We're overjoyed to have received support for our upcoming annual show through the incredible Whole Foods Market's Community Giving Program!

This program is led by a network of team members across the company who are empowered to address the needs within their local communities. Their mission is to nourish people and the planet. They provide financial support for specific programs and initiatives led by community-based organizations focusing on food access, environmental stewardship, or other related needs.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Whole Foods Market for their invaluable financial support in making our Annual Show & Sale, our biggest event of the year, a resounding success this October!

We can’t wait to see you TODAY during for our “All For Art: A Community Collaboration” show!

This show encompasses 5 Austin nonprofit organizations that support visual expression in our community through the unique artists they serve.

Enjoy learning about each mission, getting lost in the captivating artwork, and observing the real impact made every day.

Participating nonprofits:
Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Imagine Art
Hospitality House SF
SAGE Studio
Art From the Streets

We're grateful to have had the opportunity to showcase the inspiring works of Hospitality House SF, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Imagine Art, SAGE Studio, and Art From the Streets.

Join us TOMORROW, Saturday, June 3rd, for our studio's All For One: A Community Collaboration show!

The “All for Art” show encompasses these 5 nonprofit organizations that support visual expression in our community through the unique artists they serve.

We're excited to see you tonight for the pop-up exhibit opening, Here Now: Celebrating Canopy, curated by the director of Ivester Contemporary, Kevin Ivester.

Participating AFTS Artists:

• Alexsondra
• Megan Maurice
• Amira Yamaguchi

This exhibition stands as a testament to the significance of cherishing and supporting such creative spaces, as they may not always be readily available to us.

THANK YOU Glasstire for this great article about this upcoming show!

YOU ARE INVITED
Opening reception
"Here Now"
Friday, May 26th, 7-10PM

916 Springdale Rd., Austin, Texas

Canopy Projects Hosts a Pop-Up Exhibition in Big Medium’s Former Space | Glasstire Jonas Criscoe, of ICOSA, and Kevin Ivester, of Ivester Contemporary, have announced a pop-up exhibition at Canopy Projects in Austin.

We're excited that 3 AFTS artists have been selected to participate in the pop-up exhibit, Here Now: Celebrating Canopy, curated by the director Ivester Contemporary, Kevin Ivester.

Participating AFTS Artists:

• Alexsondra
• Megan Maurice
• Amira Yamaguchi

"Here Now" is an ode to the creative energy and value of Canopy's artists and a reminder that Canopy itself is a precious community and city resource.

We invite you to join us in celebrating East Austin’s art scene and recognizing the invaluable resource that Canopy represents.

AFTS is excited to be a part of 's third Thursday evening opening, TONIGHT!

Our studio gallery will be open TONIGHT from 6-9PM with our ALL FOR ART exhibit showing!

Become an AFTS Collector

Through our newest program, you can help financially support our mission, our artists, and give back to the community by
enriching your office space with a meaningful art collection.

We're thrilled to share our first AFTS Collectors:

Canva
CapMetro
The Bug Master

Are you interested in this program? For more information reach out directly to [email protected]